Drone no-fly zones at ports to be mapped online; unauthorized flights face fines up to W3m

Drone users will soon be able to check online maps to see where flights and filming are prohibited at ports. The government plans to provide the information so users can confirm no-fly zones before taking off, while also stepping up enforcement against unauthorized drone activity and imposing fines of up to 3 million won ($2,210).

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Tuesday that starting Wednesday it will display drone flight restriction information for each port facility — along with the responsible agency and contact details — on its drone one-stop civil service portal.

The move is aimed at preventing unauthorized drone flights within ports. The ministry said it is working with related agencies, including the Spatial Information Industry Promotion Institute and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, to ensure drone users can check flight restrictions at port facilities before flying.

Port facilities are designated no-fly zones for drones under the Act on the Security of International Ships and Port Facilities. Anyone wishing to fly a drone at such a facility must obtain prior approval from the facility's security officer.

Through the portal, users will be able to look up no-fly zones at port facilities and find the relevant agency and contact information. Those who need to fly a drone at a port must submit the required documents to the facility's security officer and receive approval beforehand.

The ministry said it will also tighten enforcement against unauthorized drone flights at ports when the service launches Wednesday. Violations detected from that date — including flying a drone or filming port facilities without approval — will be subject to fines of up to 3 million won under relevant laws.

"Ports are critical national facilities that underpin the country's logistics and economic activity, and we must be thoroughly prepared against all security threats, including those posed by drones," said Kim Hye-jeong, director general of the ministry's maritime logistics bureau. "We will work to prevent unauthorized drone flights at ports and strengthen port security management."